CU Boulder New Venture Challenge kicks off Sept. 21

Organizers of the University of Colorado Boulder’s ninth annual New Venture Challenge anticipate a packed house for the program’s kickoff later this month.

The popular program, which is open to the entire campus community and progresses through a series of events and workshops throughout the school year, fosters budding entrepreneurs.

It helps cross-disciplinary participants form teams and develop their startups, providing entrepreneurial skills, mentorship and networking opportunities along the way. The program culminates in a springtime pitch competition with cash prizes, typically up to $10,000, said David Camerucci, executive director of the NVC.

The kickoff event, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, in the Wittemyer Courtroom at the Wolf Law Building is free and open to all. Attendees are required to register in advance.

"NVC 9 Kickoff is a great opportunity for students, faculty and staff interested in entrepreneurship to share ideas, network with like-minded individuals from the community and learn about all the resources available to entrepreneurs at CU Boulder," Camerucci said.

The kickoff will feature three past NVC winners, all of whom have built successful companies. They include Devon Tivona, co-founder and CEO of Pana, an on-demand travel concierge service; Sean Chenoweth, founder and CEO of Qualify, a free mobile dating app to help Buffs meet other Buffs around campus; and Kimberly Drennan, CEO and founder of Hive Tech solutions, a company that helps beekeepers keep their hives healthy.

The evening will include remarks from the speakers, a Q&A session and a brief preview of the NVC season, followed by a reception.

Upcoming NVC events include a pitch night and a mentorship match-up, when teams are paired with seasoned entrepreneurs to gain the experts’ advice.

Hosted by CU Boulder’s Silicon Flatirons Center, the NVC brings together sponsoring partners from across campus and beyond, including the Leeds School of Business, the ATLAS Institute, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and others.

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